Montee Ball: I want to start and get the ball every time next year

Posted by Josh Alper on February 13, 2014, 6:12 PM EST

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The Broncos got a strong season from running back Knowshon Moreno, who scored 13 touchdowns to help the team take the AFC title.

Moreno is set to become a free agent next month, though, and the Broncos may choose to spend their money in other areas. One reason why that might be the call is Montee Ball. A second-round pick last year, Ball ran for 559 yards and four touchdowns as a complement to Moreno. He says he’s ready for a bigger role if that’s what the Broncos have in mind.

“Of course, obviously I have no idea what’s going to happen with him and this organization, but I do want to be a starter, and yeah, I want the football every time,” Ball said, via Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post. “I think I’m going to have a great offseason, and I’m going to have a better season next year for sure.”

While Ball should get the first shot at the job if Moreno does leave, there are areas he needs to shore up. Pass blocking was an issue for Ball early and he had issues holding onto the football (three total fumbles and two in his first 31 carries), although both things were better by the time the Broncos wrapped up their season. They’ll need to remain that way if the second-round pick is to realize his goal of being No. 1 next year.

hey at least he acts like he wants to play he could have said i want a clipboard a paycheck and an occasional joint for the pain in my elbow and wrist from carrying the clipboard. oh and im in colorado so its cool!!

scw1993 says:Feb 13, 2014 7:15 PM

He should be their qb, probably do a better job.

jeffesky says:Feb 13, 2014 7:15 PM

May want to figure out how to keep manning frm getting happy feet when he plays the NFC west this year.

My God their are a lot of people who don’t know about football, especially those who haven’t even watch the Broncos play during the regular season…

He’s not being selfish, he didn’t say he was better then everyone else. All he said was he wants to start (like everybody else) and believes he can be more successful running the ball next year. He ran the ball extremely well the last 8 games of the year (5.9 ypc), I think he still needs to work as a pass blocker…

coloneldukelacross says:Feb 13, 2014 7:41 PM

Dear Mr. Packers7baller7shotcaller,
We all thank you for your purple prose. The world is a better place with you in it. Keep up the good work (sarcasm).
Yours in Christ,
The Colonel

Ball is definitely the guy. Love what knowshon did but Ball is a superior runner. He already has the the inside moves of veteran slasher. More experience and a power run set and he could be a beast. Eddie Lacy is the real deal though. He should have gone 1st round.

Monte merely stated what every player thinks: I want to start.
Monte left out the part that every player thinks but doesn’t say: I am the best.
I’m sure Monte learned from his mistakes after a year of rookie life. I’m happy to hear he wants to start – it tells me he is confident and ready to put in the work.
I’m not a Bronco fan, I just like this kid’s work ethic.

So I do not see the selfishness anywhere in his comments. He wants the ball all the time, show me an offensive player who doesn’t. He definitely did a much better job in the latter part of the season and showed he can be a primary back. He just needs to work in his deficiencies and he’s got the starting gig. I doubt Moreno will be back next season just for cap space reasons so the job is Balls to lose come training camp and otas. Lastly, the Broncos pass defense wasn’t as bad as everyone keeps saying. The statistical ranking is a little misleading because the Broncos usually had a sizable lead on their opponent and the D simply played a prevent style. Besides, many of the starters toward the end of the season were out due to injury. If the main starters were in place then that defense could stop anyone.